I don't mean to beat my own drum, but I am an Army veteran of Vietnam and am telling you this to illustrate a sad point of reality. I needed to do some shopping for some deer hunting toys today (Veteran's Day) at a couple of sporting goods store and our local mall. I wore my Army hat with my military insignias that obviously denoted me as a veteran. I purposely made eye contact with a number of people during my trip and do you know how many people acknowledged my service. Yep, nobody...not a single soul. In my life, other than family and friends, maybe 2 or 3 strangers have ever said anything to me. It's sad really.

Look at it this way....folks like you and other veterans did such a great job defending our freedom and way of life that many of the people here just take it for granted that they are free. It maybe a backhanded compliment, but if you think about it it does have validity to it. That doesn't excuse their lack of showing gratitute of course, but like your children and as a parent you don't want your kids to know want or fear.

Just know that there ARE some of us that do appreciate what you and many others like you have done for us.

I thank anyone in uniform, or anyone who I find has served, everyday. Not just one day a year. I bought a veteran's lunch yesterday, and I am both poorer and richer for doing so. Thank you for your service.

The only real difference between a good tracker and a bad tracker is observation. All the same data is present for both. The rest is understanding what you are seeing.

I've had 2 brothers serve active duty in Iraq/Afghanistan, along with a number of cousins and a multitude of former students who went into some branch ofmilitary. There are no words available to convey the appreciation I have for all who don a uniform in the defense and protection of our country.

On a happy note, my big brother (Served in Iraq with National Guard 2002-2003 time frame) was lucky enough to kill a really nice 8 point yesterday. Easiest tracking job ever... it ran to 20 yards from my other brothers stand and fell over dead...

"When a hunter is in a tree stand with high moral values and with the proper hunting ethics and richer for the experience, that hunter is 20 feet closer to God." ~Fred Bear

I won't beleaguer my point, but I do understand that there are many who do support veterans, I just don't understand why it seems so difficult for some to express it when they have the opportunity. Kellory I hope you understand what an impact your generosity has. Somebody paid for my drink at an airport bar in 68 and I vividly recall it today as if it was yesterday. That small gesture I will never forget.